Who we need - Frecuently Asked Questions

Size of the program
With approximately 15 missionaries each year, we are small in order to offer an intimate group. As a result, long lasting friendships and support are built not only with one’s own housemates, but also with those in the community and the sisters.

Sponsorship by the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word
The location of our mission sites is far from random; we work and live where the Congregation also has a strong presence, whether through universities, parishes, or other apostolates. As a result, each year the missionaries are welcomed into the local Incarnate Word community. Missionaries often have commented that one of the most valuable aspects of their experience was the opportunity to develop close relationships with the Sisters.

Support and Community
Support for the missionaries is multifaceted. To name some forms: each community has formal communication with IWM staff on a monthly basis (in addition to one-on-one communication as needed/desired); there are collective program-wide conference calls on a quarterly basis; IWM staff provides missionaries with regular spiritual reflections based on incarnational spirituality; participation in an annual retreat is a mandatory requirement. Additionally, each site has a contact person in-country to accompany and guide the missionaries.

What are the values of IWM, and where do they come from?
Incarnate Word Missionaries was founded in 1987 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, who desired to incorporate more people into their mission of spreading the saving and healing grace of the Incarnate Word. IWM continues to focus, on social justice, simplicity, spirituality, and community. Read more about the values of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word at www.amormeus.org

When can I apply?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a deadline of March 31st. (*After this date, contact the IWM office at iwmissions@amormeus.org to discuss openings.*) Because positions are filled in the order we receive applications, we encourage you to apply well before the deadline.

Do I have to be Catholic to serve with IWM?
No. IWM has Catholic roots, draws much of its energy from Catholic Social Teaching, and celebrates liturgy at orientation and retreats, so we therefore ask that all volunteers are open to learning more about our Catholic identity.

Do I have to be fluent in Spanish to volunteer with IWM?
Because IWM works with Spanish speakers including here in the U.S., it is imperative that our missionaries have Spanish speaking abilities. Being fluent or highly proficient in Spanish helps ease the other transitions in terms of living simply, in community, in a new culture, and in the midst of emotionally challenging work.

What are the language requirements?
BProficiency in the language native to the country in which a missionary serves is preferred. Facility of a language helps ease the other transitions of living simply, living in community, being in a new country, and taking on emotionally challenging work. At the very least missionaries should be willing to invest mentally (and if necessary, financially) in the studies of a language if deemed necessary by the IWM Program.

How do you decide where someone should be placed?
Placement is a process of mutual discernment, involving the missioner, IWM, the Sisters and the ministry site. We want to know your geographic and ministry preferences and will take them into account. It’s important to us that you will be able to use your gifts and feel you are making a difference. It is also important that we are responding to the urgent needs of the people we serve, and so we ask applicants to be flexible and open to a true discernment process.

If I'm accepted, can I defer my student loans?
Normally yes. You need to write your lending institution and ask them for the proper deferment forms. We will be happy to assist in this process.

What are the living conditions like?
Missionaries live in community with other missionaries in places close to the Sisters. Although the living situations are quite simple and at some times challenging, our missionaries are provided with all the basic necessities they would need.

Can I talk with an IWM staff member?
Yes! Please do not hesitate to contact any of us through email or by phone Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm CST.